Arriving back in Costa Rica was a challenge, first in the flight coming there was a mix up with the Tickets, I purchased two tickets one for Clint and one for myself, Clint is my old friend and long time employee from the USA, He had me make the purchase for him on line. When we got in the line to check in the had made one first class and one economy, so we decided to split the first class in two legs. He did the first part I did the second. When we got to Houston, the weather was bad, the plane had a little delay in arriving. We laid over for almost four hours, which was ok but not great. In boarding the plane it was completely full, so the loading took a long time. Then they found out something was wrong with the plane, we sat on the tarmac for two hours. Until finally they decided to pull everyone off and all the luggage and reload to another plane. The weather was also bad in Costa Rica it was raining and lots of turbulence. So our delay became almost four hours. It was the worst longest flight I ever had .. I was exhausted by the time we arrived
Tony had waited for us for hours there in the Airport, I felt so bad when he told me. I had no way to call him.
We had no problems bringing back all the computers, the dvds, the equipment for the new Showroom in trunks, They never questioned me or even looked. It was great, and everything is working well and looks Awesome! So I was happy about that.
The following day we did allot of things concerning business, in fact Clint went to the beach while we did things, he swam and had a great time. We ate good food and had nice conversations. He got introduced to a few people and well already he is loving it here in Costa Rica. I knew he would! its different here but its such a nice change from the Cold weather and dreary atmosphere in Portland. Good timing I heard because it snowed and it has been very cold.. I have much to tell, which I will try today to do after we do so many things to catch up with the business and the new location, but I just wanted to say I am back and ready to begin a new adventure Here in COSTA RICA!! we are going to be selling Condos, property and designing many things here... so if anyone is interested please write me, I have photos information and great deals.
Stay tuned to the next adventure of Marianna IN COSTA RICA
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
USA thinking, and doing, and wondering
This is a view from my new showroom
Being here for the past few days has made me do much thinking, its busy here lots of cars, people running fast and hard to shop for the holidays. It has been cold to me, I feel so uncomfortable with the cold weather, not to complain but just stating how I feel. I am much better in a warmer Climate, I feel alive and energized, and willing to do things. Here I feel so sedate, and lethargic, not willing to do a thing but sleep and eat.
Talk about eating! I had been bad, eating way to much.. I want to try when I return to set my path in a direction of better health.
But I have had some great times while I was here this time. I met up with an old employee, and well she helped on one of the jobs for a day, but by the end she got sick and kinda dropped out on us, but Clint and I managed to get the hotel done on time as usual.
I also spent Thanksgiving day with my best Friend Sharon, the jazzercise instructor, Sharon is a funny lady, I like her so much! We had a nice time at her home, with almost 61 people for dinner. We made over 31 pounds of Turkey, her and I both cooked a turkey, I did the dressing and her sister made some as well. We had a ham, and all the fixins! It was great being with her, my son Jordan, Nancy Jordan's partner, and My grandson Julian, and a house full of Sharon's family.
It was very loud there for a while, I was getting kinda nervous, I told Sharon it felt like we were cooking in a restaurant there for few minutes with the rush of the food getting done, the loud roar of the crowd in the background like hungry lions waiting to eat! It was fun.
Then after dinner, Sharon's Mother in law, her granddaughter and I were all talking about things, the Mother in law is in a wheel chair and has some bitterness in her that she often displays. Well She displayed it to me, and pretty much directed her bitterness right at me. She said something pretty harsh, the whole place just stopped, I sat with wide eyes, and kind of a grin because I was embarrassed. It was not called for but I became the brunt of her bitterness. Sharon Snapped back at her and insisted that she apologize right now, and that she would not allow her to not talk to my friends like that. She repeated that a couple times until Mom apologized to me.. It was something, a hallmark of the evening events.
I had to laugh it was kinda funny actually.
Then Yesterday we had to do Sharp electronics, I decorate the corporate offices, and I am trying to work with them on a deal with my company here in Costa Rica. It went fine, Arya Showed up, My friend from the internet, who came to Costa Rica , we went to Panama together with Tony and Eric. Arya is from Finland, she is a doll of a person, I just love her. We had a nice time at the Sharp, then later we went to lunch and talked about things in Costa Rica, Then she took me to the bank so I could cash checks to pay people. We went shopping after that and talked and talked.
She took me to Clint's so I could change, after we shopped for about two hours,and bought out the TJ MAX. Ayra is a cool lady LOVE HER!! later at Clint's we sorta talked about what was going to happened when I return, with the place, Tony and all the rest.
Then she dropped me off at the Ringside, in Northwest Portland Oregon. Its a nice classy steak restaurant. I met Hap and Clint there for a going away dinner for Clint.
There partners, And Hap is a pretty nice man. Clint and I enjoyed the dinner, and hap talked and lectured me about Clint, making sure I will take good care of him while he is In COSTA RICA, he is so worried about the bugs, and is afraid that Clint is going to catch something from one of them! I laughed but Hey he doesn't know, and well its normal I suppose when you care about someone.
It was a nice night, we had drinks and a full dinner, then we went to his house on the hill and looked at the sites of the city and his beautiful home.
Today I went to Jazz I miss it so bad in Costa Rica, but I had a nice time this morning there, I saw some old friends and met new ones. Sharon was happy I was there I could tell, She tried to get me to put up the Christmas tree but I didn't. I had to go do things today before we leave tomorrow.
I bought a few things, meet Jordan and Julian and Nancy for lunch, then returned to Costco, and checked out a few things I needed.
Tonight I was invited to dinner with Cyndy, her husband and beautiful daughter. It was such a nice gesture, Cyndy had dips and crackers and little banana chips from Honduras, and some nuts from there too, they were yummy, we had a glass of wine, and then sat to a lovely dinner of Salmon with a cream herb sauce, asparagus, bread and mixed veggies, the talk and the company was great, we talked about Honduras, and Costa Rica n what her daughter had done there with helping the communities. It was a very nice time, the dessert was devine.!! apple cranberry,currant pie.
When I drove home I was thanking God, for all my friends and my family that love me so much and how blessed I am to have the wealth of friends that I have... Maybe I don't have a fancy house or all the convienences as most Americans do, but I do have a full bank account of Friends! and That is worth more than money can ever buy.
Being here for the past few days has made me do much thinking, its busy here lots of cars, people running fast and hard to shop for the holidays. It has been cold to me, I feel so uncomfortable with the cold weather, not to complain but just stating how I feel. I am much better in a warmer Climate, I feel alive and energized, and willing to do things. Here I feel so sedate, and lethargic, not willing to do a thing but sleep and eat.
Talk about eating! I had been bad, eating way to much.. I want to try when I return to set my path in a direction of better health.
But I have had some great times while I was here this time. I met up with an old employee, and well she helped on one of the jobs for a day, but by the end she got sick and kinda dropped out on us, but Clint and I managed to get the hotel done on time as usual.
I also spent Thanksgiving day with my best Friend Sharon, the jazzercise instructor, Sharon is a funny lady, I like her so much! We had a nice time at her home, with almost 61 people for dinner. We made over 31 pounds of Turkey, her and I both cooked a turkey, I did the dressing and her sister made some as well. We had a ham, and all the fixins! It was great being with her, my son Jordan, Nancy Jordan's partner, and My grandson Julian, and a house full of Sharon's family.
It was very loud there for a while, I was getting kinda nervous, I told Sharon it felt like we were cooking in a restaurant there for few minutes with the rush of the food getting done, the loud roar of the crowd in the background like hungry lions waiting to eat! It was fun.
Then after dinner, Sharon's Mother in law, her granddaughter and I were all talking about things, the Mother in law is in a wheel chair and has some bitterness in her that she often displays. Well She displayed it to me, and pretty much directed her bitterness right at me. She said something pretty harsh, the whole place just stopped, I sat with wide eyes, and kind of a grin because I was embarrassed. It was not called for but I became the brunt of her bitterness. Sharon Snapped back at her and insisted that she apologize right now, and that she would not allow her to not talk to my friends like that. She repeated that a couple times until Mom apologized to me.. It was something, a hallmark of the evening events.
I had to laugh it was kinda funny actually.
Then Yesterday we had to do Sharp electronics, I decorate the corporate offices, and I am trying to work with them on a deal with my company here in Costa Rica. It went fine, Arya Showed up, My friend from the internet, who came to Costa Rica , we went to Panama together with Tony and Eric. Arya is from Finland, she is a doll of a person, I just love her. We had a nice time at the Sharp, then later we went to lunch and talked about things in Costa Rica, Then she took me to the bank so I could cash checks to pay people. We went shopping after that and talked and talked.
She took me to Clint's so I could change, after we shopped for about two hours,and bought out the TJ MAX. Ayra is a cool lady LOVE HER!! later at Clint's we sorta talked about what was going to happened when I return, with the place, Tony and all the rest.
Then she dropped me off at the Ringside, in Northwest Portland Oregon. Its a nice classy steak restaurant. I met Hap and Clint there for a going away dinner for Clint.
There partners, And Hap is a pretty nice man. Clint and I enjoyed the dinner, and hap talked and lectured me about Clint, making sure I will take good care of him while he is In COSTA RICA, he is so worried about the bugs, and is afraid that Clint is going to catch something from one of them! I laughed but Hey he doesn't know, and well its normal I suppose when you care about someone.
It was a nice night, we had drinks and a full dinner, then we went to his house on the hill and looked at the sites of the city and his beautiful home.
Today I went to Jazz I miss it so bad in Costa Rica, but I had a nice time this morning there, I saw some old friends and met new ones. Sharon was happy I was there I could tell, She tried to get me to put up the Christmas tree but I didn't. I had to go do things today before we leave tomorrow.
I bought a few things, meet Jordan and Julian and Nancy for lunch, then returned to Costco, and checked out a few things I needed.
Tonight I was invited to dinner with Cyndy, her husband and beautiful daughter. It was such a nice gesture, Cyndy had dips and crackers and little banana chips from Honduras, and some nuts from there too, they were yummy, we had a glass of wine, and then sat to a lovely dinner of Salmon with a cream herb sauce, asparagus, bread and mixed veggies, the talk and the company was great, we talked about Honduras, and Costa Rica n what her daughter had done there with helping the communities. It was a very nice time, the dessert was devine.!! apple cranberry,currant pie.
When I drove home I was thanking God, for all my friends and my family that love me so much and how blessed I am to have the wealth of friends that I have... Maybe I don't have a fancy house or all the convienences as most Americans do, but I do have a full bank account of Friends! and That is worth more than money can ever buy.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Being in the USA again
When I flew to the USA the flights were extremely long this time. I got routed to Newark, and that was horrible. The entrance to the USA there was very strick, they just about accused me of doing some sort of illegal travel?
They frisked me several times, went through my whole purse, questioned me like crazy. In other airports such as Houston I do not have that problem, In fact you just breeze through. I suppose its that way because its so close to NEW YORK.
I didn't like that feeling at all. Then the flight to Portland was delayed because of bad storms. Actually it started at Costa Rica, they would not allow me to take a third suitcase that was empty. So I hope that Tony went and picked it up. I left messages with Juan Carlos the Attorney, and with Luis Diego my friend. But I heard that Tony didn't show up on Friday as he told he was going to at the office. I had things set for install on Friday and the Furniture maker was suppose to come and repair the cabinet, and restrain the front reception desk. I have not heard from Tony so I have no idea from him what is going on, but other people have been informing me, and keeping up to date as to what is happening there.
I woke up worried today about the place, its allot of money that I have invested to make something very cool and different for my work. The work is going well, in fact its very busy, so the fact that my assistant and long time friend is flying back with me to help will be a comfort, and assurance that things are going to be OK. Now I have like five employees, so the work load has to increase in order to pay all there salaries. We will do it! Costa Rica has lots of tourism, and I know that our work is good so to keep going should not be a problem.
It is cold here, I feel uncomfortable, and have been wearing lots of clothes trying to keep warm. I been going to my jazzercise! its been fun seeing all the people and getting such a nice welcome from my friends. I miss Jazzercise, I wish we had in Costa Rica, I need to be teaching it actually! But its a difficult situation with that, they rules and by laws and well they are just not as open to the idea of it coming to Costa Rica , I know it would explode there too.
Today I hope to spend with my older son Brandon and my Daughter in Law Sara, my granddaughter Kelsey. They were busy over the weekend , they did not come to see me, or me to see them. I saw Kelsey n Sara at Jazz and we talked a little bit until they left.
I saw Jordan and Nancy n my grand baby Julian yesterday. We spent the other night together having dinner, yesterday part of the day shopping for nothing just looking around and then I treated everyone to lunch at a Chinese buffet.
Julian is most adorable, he is a very pleasant baby. Never really cries much, at all and smiles and laughs all the time. He has the best disposition ever, very mellow and very tranquil. But not unintelligent, he is very smart. We pointed at each other and he touched the tip of my finger then smiled, we both smiled and then he said Gra he showed me my photo the other night when I was holding him and said the same thing, Gra.. I am Nonnie to him, that is what the grand kids called there grandmother growing up, Nonnie. I do not feel like a Nonnie or do I feel l look like one? but I am and I am happy that I have these lovely little lives to be a part of now and then.
They make me smile and remember how simple life should be.
Maybe in the future the boys will figure that coming to visit might be a good idea and a fun trip for all.
Starting tomorrow I do the hotels, I Begin early in the morning opening the storage unit, seeing what the damages are on the Holiday Decor, and figuring out how to repair and make it look as fresh as possible for the 8Th year. Actually I am so bored of this job, and frankly do not look forward to the work at all. The only thing I may look forward to is seeing old Friends, or seeing the new clients in the hotel enjoy the imagination of my handiwork.
I am only here for a week, then I regress to Costa Rica, for a new future in Designing Condos and houses. Complete turn key operations where we supply the client with everything they need for there vacation rental or home. We do the landscape of homes, and also now sell the properties and manage the rentals for the clients should they wish for us to.
It is s full circle operation, I know its going to be good!
Allot of work but good, and with the right people, which I think I have.
Tony as the oversee person, Edwardo the sales of property and Design, Mariann, a new gal from Venezuela who will be running the office reception area, and doing presentations, and maybe working in the design end.
Juan Carlos Ayala, the attorney who takes care of all the legal issues, and helps in sales and office. Me who I will be doing the design, of homes, gardens, condos, and the sales of Condos and homes. Plus ST REGIS RESORT, last but not least, Clint who worked for me here, doing something different than he has ever done. Sales of properties, and some design work. He will only be doing consultations with Americans and Canadians or all the English speaking clients, Until he learns different, and then I will know where he fits. Stanley I hope will be our computer programmer, if not I have to contact another person right away to get them in line as to what the program is, then there is Eric and Arya, they will be helping too, in the finances, and property management. I good size team, Then if that Marketing team that Diasa put together for me goes through, I believe we will be doing well, and maybe who knows open another Virtual showroom in Guancaste. That is the plan for now.
I think at this point, I can now become a citizen of Costa Rica, I have to talk to Jaunca, and find out the real deal but I Think if you invest a certain amount and have more than five employees it qualifies you.
I am not sure how long I will live there, but I know right now I do not want to live in USA . Its a nice country, USA, its clean and pretty and really rich. I never realized how rich a country was until now spending time in one that is not so rich. But people here do not appreciate all that they have, nor are they kind and humble or polite and I was one too. Now I have had a change of heart, I know what it is like to have whatever I needed and not to worry, but to have it and appreciate it is different. I do appreciate my life now, and all that I have which there is not a whole lot, the Store yes the show room yes its allot, and I am so proud and happy to be working there and helping others, and making a difference in the economy of the country.
For those of you who read last year about me helping with a fiesta for the children who have very little, I plan on doing that again this year, I will asking in Costa Rica to the locals if they will donate some money for me to produce this.
I have the plan already with the office of Mohairs, they asked if I was going to be involved again, three other women and I that I have met here that are genuine and kind, the office is one of the battered women
Since I was a battered woman when my kids were small, I know what it is to feel hurt and abused, and to raise children pretty much alone with no help. I want to help at least at the holiday, give of my talents and my money and share with these kids. It was such a blessing last year to do this, and I hope that this year is as much if not more. I have had people who read this say they would contribute, so now is the time, if you want please contact me, at MARIANNA.LOVE@GMAIL.COM, and I will give you banking directions, and send you photos of what were doing for the holiday fiesta, like I did last year. Actually I was asked to speak to the group of the women just recently to inspire them, and show them that you can do good after such a situation.
I do not know the date yet but I will check as soon as I get back, and hopefully be involved again.
Well Its time to get going its about 8:00 am now and Clints still sleeping, I will try today to get this photos posted so all can see the progress of the showroom in Costa Rica and the cool place that Represents Many condos and ST REGIS RESORT!
They frisked me several times, went through my whole purse, questioned me like crazy. In other airports such as Houston I do not have that problem, In fact you just breeze through. I suppose its that way because its so close to NEW YORK.
I didn't like that feeling at all. Then the flight to Portland was delayed because of bad storms. Actually it started at Costa Rica, they would not allow me to take a third suitcase that was empty. So I hope that Tony went and picked it up. I left messages with Juan Carlos the Attorney, and with Luis Diego my friend. But I heard that Tony didn't show up on Friday as he told he was going to at the office. I had things set for install on Friday and the Furniture maker was suppose to come and repair the cabinet, and restrain the front reception desk. I have not heard from Tony so I have no idea from him what is going on, but other people have been informing me, and keeping up to date as to what is happening there.
I woke up worried today about the place, its allot of money that I have invested to make something very cool and different for my work. The work is going well, in fact its very busy, so the fact that my assistant and long time friend is flying back with me to help will be a comfort, and assurance that things are going to be OK. Now I have like five employees, so the work load has to increase in order to pay all there salaries. We will do it! Costa Rica has lots of tourism, and I know that our work is good so to keep going should not be a problem.
It is cold here, I feel uncomfortable, and have been wearing lots of clothes trying to keep warm. I been going to my jazzercise! its been fun seeing all the people and getting such a nice welcome from my friends. I miss Jazzercise, I wish we had in Costa Rica, I need to be teaching it actually! But its a difficult situation with that, they rules and by laws and well they are just not as open to the idea of it coming to Costa Rica , I know it would explode there too.
Today I hope to spend with my older son Brandon and my Daughter in Law Sara, my granddaughter Kelsey. They were busy over the weekend , they did not come to see me, or me to see them. I saw Kelsey n Sara at Jazz and we talked a little bit until they left.
I saw Jordan and Nancy n my grand baby Julian yesterday. We spent the other night together having dinner, yesterday part of the day shopping for nothing just looking around and then I treated everyone to lunch at a Chinese buffet.
Julian is most adorable, he is a very pleasant baby. Never really cries much, at all and smiles and laughs all the time. He has the best disposition ever, very mellow and very tranquil. But not unintelligent, he is very smart. We pointed at each other and he touched the tip of my finger then smiled, we both smiled and then he said Gra he showed me my photo the other night when I was holding him and said the same thing, Gra.. I am Nonnie to him, that is what the grand kids called there grandmother growing up, Nonnie. I do not feel like a Nonnie or do I feel l look like one? but I am and I am happy that I have these lovely little lives to be a part of now and then.
They make me smile and remember how simple life should be.
Maybe in the future the boys will figure that coming to visit might be a good idea and a fun trip for all.
Starting tomorrow I do the hotels, I Begin early in the morning opening the storage unit, seeing what the damages are on the Holiday Decor, and figuring out how to repair and make it look as fresh as possible for the 8Th year. Actually I am so bored of this job, and frankly do not look forward to the work at all. The only thing I may look forward to is seeing old Friends, or seeing the new clients in the hotel enjoy the imagination of my handiwork.
I am only here for a week, then I regress to Costa Rica, for a new future in Designing Condos and houses. Complete turn key operations where we supply the client with everything they need for there vacation rental or home. We do the landscape of homes, and also now sell the properties and manage the rentals for the clients should they wish for us to.
It is s full circle operation, I know its going to be good!
Allot of work but good, and with the right people, which I think I have.
Tony as the oversee person, Edwardo the sales of property and Design, Mariann, a new gal from Venezuela who will be running the office reception area, and doing presentations, and maybe working in the design end.
Juan Carlos Ayala, the attorney who takes care of all the legal issues, and helps in sales and office. Me who I will be doing the design, of homes, gardens, condos, and the sales of Condos and homes. Plus ST REGIS RESORT, last but not least, Clint who worked for me here, doing something different than he has ever done. Sales of properties, and some design work. He will only be doing consultations with Americans and Canadians or all the English speaking clients, Until he learns different, and then I will know where he fits. Stanley I hope will be our computer programmer, if not I have to contact another person right away to get them in line as to what the program is, then there is Eric and Arya, they will be helping too, in the finances, and property management. I good size team, Then if that Marketing team that Diasa put together for me goes through, I believe we will be doing well, and maybe who knows open another Virtual showroom in Guancaste. That is the plan for now.
I think at this point, I can now become a citizen of Costa Rica, I have to talk to Jaunca, and find out the real deal but I Think if you invest a certain amount and have more than five employees it qualifies you.
I am not sure how long I will live there, but I know right now I do not want to live in USA . Its a nice country, USA, its clean and pretty and really rich. I never realized how rich a country was until now spending time in one that is not so rich. But people here do not appreciate all that they have, nor are they kind and humble or polite and I was one too. Now I have had a change of heart, I know what it is like to have whatever I needed and not to worry, but to have it and appreciate it is different. I do appreciate my life now, and all that I have which there is not a whole lot, the Store yes the show room yes its allot, and I am so proud and happy to be working there and helping others, and making a difference in the economy of the country.
For those of you who read last year about me helping with a fiesta for the children who have very little, I plan on doing that again this year, I will asking in Costa Rica to the locals if they will donate some money for me to produce this.
I have the plan already with the office of Mohairs, they asked if I was going to be involved again, three other women and I that I have met here that are genuine and kind, the office is one of the battered women
Since I was a battered woman when my kids were small, I know what it is to feel hurt and abused, and to raise children pretty much alone with no help. I want to help at least at the holiday, give of my talents and my money and share with these kids. It was such a blessing last year to do this, and I hope that this year is as much if not more. I have had people who read this say they would contribute, so now is the time, if you want please contact me, at MARIANNA.LOVE@GMAIL.COM, and I will give you banking directions, and send you photos of what were doing for the holiday fiesta, like I did last year. Actually I was asked to speak to the group of the women just recently to inspire them, and show them that you can do good after such a situation.
I do not know the date yet but I will check as soon as I get back, and hopefully be involved again.
Well Its time to get going its about 8:00 am now and Clints still sleeping, I will try today to get this photos posted so all can see the progress of the showroom in Costa Rica and the cool place that Represents Many condos and ST REGIS RESORT!
Friday, November 10, 2006
The days are flying and still not open but good things are happen
The lamps and the tile
Well the days are flying before I go to the USA, I have worked furiously fast to make sure that everything in the showroom is together but it is freaking COSTA RICA and people do what they want here.. The people tell you yes but then when it gets down to it they always say something happened or they had a problem. The procrastination problem is huge and is very frustrating to an American, who is use to fast food and fast solutions and well getting things done. IT just doesn't happen here... I am trying to deal with it, I know that soon it will all get done.
Meetings with this one and that one , checking on things and double checking on things and triple checking on things still doesn't make it happen. But I keep plugging along.
The week was not as Trying as the last. Tony has his head back in shape and I laid of the comments and the idea that well maybe I could form his life a bit.. I figure he is going to be Tony, and if he wants to improve he will, if not I will move on and keep going. We all need improving, and I am seriously trying.
Today is Friday, we were suppose to go into San Jose early but if just didn't happen. Things went rye in the show room so our help was needed. We ended up leaving about one.
We met with a new vendor, he is a metal sculpturer, Wow cool guy Mondolo, he is a interesting looking character, he is going to create a chandelier that I thought of that is all branches in metal with tiny little lights in the ends and with some small leaves, the lamps over the bar are similar but like rain with tiny lights also. He was cool he lived in this open air loft above his work place, the rain was pouring and his two parrots on the balcony were singing. He had examples of this work in his house. I simple set up with a bedroom that you could see and a bar. A real artist. But a good one. I can not wait to see what he creates for me.
Then we went to buy Kelsey's doll I ordered. To look like her and made here in Costa Rica. After we ran to a couple of Nurseries, to get a few more plants for the show room, but by the time we got there they were all closing. There are many in Garrita, but I will stay tonight in this beautiful hotel, own by Italians called the San Marino. Only after a shocking but wonderful meeting. The company that I have designed some homes for, called a meeting tonight in San Jose. this was part of the reason for going the other was Tony had to get home after being with me for Two weeks working. We had the meeting and to my surprise, it was bout helping me and Diasa form a great marketing team to produce my virtual showroom that I am putting together. They believe in me and hired this professional team! I am so grateful! I can not believe this is true but it is and now I have a full fledged design team and company.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The officina
The begining stages of the showroom
Its been a like the old days when I use to work hours on end to make deadlines, to get product finished to set up for events, although the pressures of the work is not at all the same. The officina has been a challange but it is coming together finnally after three almost four weeks of work. I have to say the challanges are not only the office, but with Tony as well. We are working through things, but it has changed for me as far as how I feel about him. I know he is busy with this idea, but he has slacked off on many things around here, and I have too. Just too busy to do anything at all. We had some differences this past two weeks and there are very good reason's for them. Now I just feel more removed from him than I used to be. I hope that soon he moves out and get's his own place to live. So I have more respect, and know less about his life.
The Macaw project is coming along and so are the four other projects. THe two mansions are at a stand still but as soon as I get this place finished, I will be pounding on there doors, to begin the work in those houses as well.
The view from the officina is really cool, it looks over the mountains across from the beach. I see lots of birds, and beautiful trees, clouds hover over the mountains daily this time of year. The Rain has it's habit of failing nearly everyday about the same time. Around four in the afternoon, but its nice actually it cools things down a little. I think that its going to be a great location and I hope that we do well with this Idea of A virtual show room.
Right now, the walls are all painted, I finished the indoor garden with the fountain, and the bathroom walls are up. The hanging lamps in the ceiling are in and the air conditioning.
Tomorrow the floor goes in, then the bar, and the sandblasted glass walls with bamboo on the sides etched into them. All the over head inset lights are in. By Friday I should have the plasmas, but if I don't I will try to do it by Tuesday, because I leave on Thursday for the USA.
The furniture in the show room is very nice, I chose red leather l shaped entertainment seating, with a huge red tuffed ottoman, the tables are actually attached to the table with cool two toned wood. the other seating is darker wood with a striped yellow, tan and beige fabric these chairs are cool. I had one of my furniture makers, make a coffee table from a photo that Terry Clark sent me. The reception desk is huge with black granite on the top, with custom made bar stools. In the back behind the sand blasted windows is my desk, Tony's desk and Juan Carlos the attorneys desk. Along with a conference table. that is all custom made.
It Is going to be very cool. The bath room has a sink that I chose from another artisan, it is v shaped from the floor it has halleconias, and leaves painted on the base, with the sink set into it, the sink has all the frogs of Costa Rica painted into the sink. the faucet itself is chrome but very modern with a pull that looks like a sculpted piece of metal.
I will be there for two weeks doing other work then returing to the new office to begin a brand new sort of life here. I sure hope that things are ok while I am gone.
I thought I had four accounts to do in the states but I found out today that another company took the job.. frankly I am not sad a bit. I am doing well here, and I really do not enjoy decorting all the places for Christmas Like I use to. That sorta means I have some free time to just visit and maybe enjoy myself a bit too.
For one thing I do not look forward to the cold, My blood now is so thin that even here when it changes and gets a bit cooler I feel chilled. Right now I have a cold and I don't understand how but I have been working hard and sweating like crazy.. but no gym so my physical condition is not that great.
I have new friends now, I knew Luis deigo but now were friends, also Freddy, grady and Gringo, there there three guys that are working for me in the officina. Stanley the one with his hand on the wall, is now my computer programer. He will be doing all the Videos for the show room and help program the on running flat screen in the front window that runs tweny four hours a day showing the projects, also bits and pieces of the products. Then there is Jaun Carlos he is the new attorney in the office and I making good freinds with him, also these past two weeks I lost a friend, she doesn't realize it yet. It was my hair dresser.. and well lets just say she did something that could hurt many people, including my work.
Aside from that I am moving forward, and findning many new people... I met a nice guy the other night. I was totally dirty from the store sweating and digging in the dirt. I had paint from head to toe and he still thought I was cute. He ended up calling and we went out for the evening. Travis is his name. We had a very nice time. He told me he was going to Quepos for a day or two.. So I emailed him today saying thanks. I hope to see you again
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
TODAY another issue
Oh my god, if I get through this with out wanting to just die it will be a miracle.
It was going well, today I got up pretty early Tony was sleeping when I arose, Its such a strange situation to have him here living under my roof rent free, food free, and sleeping here and not be involved with this man. It is a working relationship, but I know allot about him and it poses the situation to be extremely difficult, and becoming more and more, although I appreciate all he does and how he controls, it sometimes becomes over board with Control. He is a great guy, no doubt, it's as I said in earlier post's this past week things are strange, and I feel deceived, by some of the statements that has been said.
I went to the Gym worked out pretty good, then came home to find him showering, I was waiting to get ready because I had to meet Jaunca our Attorney who will be working in the office, at the office to discuss the corporation, the licences, and my Phone lines and power lines.
Tony and I met him, no one was at the place working, OH boy here we go again, Tony was a bit set aside I do not know why?? We left things were fine, I asked him about an invoice, but didn't understand him totally about it, we went round and round.. I was trying to tell him to give me the amount for only the invoice he was speaking of. It is the COMMUNICATION THING NOW BAD.. I have to take Spanish lessons I know once I do all will be different.
He got angry but didn't tell him, went to the bank and waited for thirty or more minutes, I was so frustrated with the system here, you have to wait in one area to get read out of your deposits and can not get cash there, its very confusing.
When we left I bitched about the system, I guess that really mad Tony angry, he almost crashed the car and got so scared I was screaming. He said he wasn't his fault But I saw it all... it was horrible the feeling. I guess no one ever screamed at him WELL I DID!! AND IT WAS DESERVED. IN A FEW MINUTES
he was telling me that he didn't like my character, and that he was quiting. I told him do not be silly apologize, I was shaking and my heart was pounding hard. From the scare of the car nearly crashing. He didn't in fact he got more upset,then Jaunca pulled up and we talked he told me to Calm down, I was so frustrated with the communication and the way Tony said he was done. The heat, just everything, no eating... it was stress full blown. Then I decided to go with Jaunca, Jaun carlos, and told Tony to go to Monge to get prices on appliances. He didn't want to but he did and Jaun and I went to get licenses, phones and power.
We ate and talked and I explained to Jaun the whole situation, he was very concerned about me, I was shocked I said really are you just saying this to placate me, or are you really sincere in your thoughts, he said he was very sincere and he was shocked at how strong I was. He was impressed with my ability to continue regardless of the bad situations I have faced. He also told me that Education is the key to success, that people with like education have less problems in communication. I felt strange but I listened and learned allot in just a few minutes with him.
He is a good person also, I am lucky to Have Tony and Jaun. I just Hope that things work it self out here.
I spent the rest of the day with Juan. then we met up with Tony. The day was short for me it felt horrible earlier. But now things are fine Tony is still doing paper work and I am laying in bed with the TV On and typing away... hope tomorrow brings better days.
It was going well, today I got up pretty early Tony was sleeping when I arose, Its such a strange situation to have him here living under my roof rent free, food free, and sleeping here and not be involved with this man. It is a working relationship, but I know allot about him and it poses the situation to be extremely difficult, and becoming more and more, although I appreciate all he does and how he controls, it sometimes becomes over board with Control. He is a great guy, no doubt, it's as I said in earlier post's this past week things are strange, and I feel deceived, by some of the statements that has been said.
I went to the Gym worked out pretty good, then came home to find him showering, I was waiting to get ready because I had to meet Jaunca our Attorney who will be working in the office, at the office to discuss the corporation, the licences, and my Phone lines and power lines.
Tony and I met him, no one was at the place working, OH boy here we go again, Tony was a bit set aside I do not know why?? We left things were fine, I asked him about an invoice, but didn't understand him totally about it, we went round and round.. I was trying to tell him to give me the amount for only the invoice he was speaking of. It is the COMMUNICATION THING NOW BAD.. I have to take Spanish lessons I know once I do all will be different.
He got angry but didn't tell him, went to the bank and waited for thirty or more minutes, I was so frustrated with the system here, you have to wait in one area to get read out of your deposits and can not get cash there, its very confusing.
When we left I bitched about the system, I guess that really mad Tony angry, he almost crashed the car and got so scared I was screaming. He said he wasn't his fault But I saw it all... it was horrible the feeling. I guess no one ever screamed at him WELL I DID!! AND IT WAS DESERVED. IN A FEW MINUTES
he was telling me that he didn't like my character, and that he was quiting. I told him do not be silly apologize, I was shaking and my heart was pounding hard. From the scare of the car nearly crashing. He didn't in fact he got more upset,then Jaunca pulled up and we talked he told me to Calm down, I was so frustrated with the communication and the way Tony said he was done. The heat, just everything, no eating... it was stress full blown. Then I decided to go with Jaunca, Jaun carlos, and told Tony to go to Monge to get prices on appliances. He didn't want to but he did and Jaun and I went to get licenses, phones and power.
We ate and talked and I explained to Jaun the whole situation, he was very concerned about me, I was shocked I said really are you just saying this to placate me, or are you really sincere in your thoughts, he said he was very sincere and he was shocked at how strong I was. He was impressed with my ability to continue regardless of the bad situations I have faced. He also told me that Education is the key to success, that people with like education have less problems in communication. I felt strange but I listened and learned allot in just a few minutes with him.
He is a good person also, I am lucky to Have Tony and Jaun. I just Hope that things work it self out here.
I spent the rest of the day with Juan. then we met up with Tony. The day was short for me it felt horrible earlier. But now things are fine Tony is still doing paper work and I am laying in bed with the TV On and typing away... hope tomorrow brings better days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)